Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has categorically dismissed reports alleging that headmen and village heads are being compelled to pay money to the Ministry’s Headquarters, describing the claims as false, malicious, and fraudulent.
In a statement, issued yesterday, Minister Garwe said Government had noted with concern the circulation of what he termed misleading information in sections of the public domain.
“The Minister of Local Government and Public Works wishes to categorically dismiss as false, malicious, and fraudulent reports circulating in some sections of the public domain alleging that headmen and village heads are being forced to pay money to the Ministry’s Headquarters,” the statement read.
Minister Garwe emphasised that no traditional leader is required to make any form of payment to the Ministry.
“The Ministry wishes to state that no Chief, Headman, or Village Head is required or instructed to make any form of payment to the Ministry,” he said.
He stressed that the Ministry operates strictly within the country’s legal and constitutional framework, guided by established statutes and public finance regulations.
“The Ministry operates strictly within the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Traditional Leaders Act, and all applicable public finance management laws,” Minister Garwe said.
He added that any legitimate financial processes involving traditional leaders are handled through formal Government systems.
“Any legitimate levies, allowances, or administrative processes involving traditional leaders are processed through lawful and established Government systems, and not through informal or personal channels,” he said.
Minister Garwe reaffirmed Government’s recognition of traditional leaders as key stakeholders in governance and community development.
“The Ministry further affirms that traditional leaders remain valued partners in governance, peace-building, and community development, and Government remains fully committed to respecting their status, welfare, and constitutional mandate,” he said.
He urged both members of the public and traditional leaders to report any alleged cases of improper conduct to the authorities.
“The Ministry advises members of the public and traditional leaders to report any such alleged cases to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or directly to the Ministry,” Minister Garwe said.
Government, he warned, would take firm action against any individuals or entities found to be engaging in misconduct.
“The Ministry will not hesitate to act against any individuals or entities who are engaging in such misdemeanours,” he said.
Traditional leaders play a constitutionally recognised role in Zimbabwe’s governance structure, particularly in community leadership, cultural preservation, and local dispute resolution.
Government has repeatedly underscored the importance of safeguarding their welfare and ensuring that administrative processes involving them are conducted transparently and lawfully.
